Solitary to several on conifer cones, primarily Douglas fir in our area; from late fall to mid-winter.

Edibility

Unknown, but too tough to be considered for the table.

Comments

Auriscalpium vulgare is recognized by its unusual kidney-shaped, hairy brown cap, laterally attached stipe and habit of growing on Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) cones. Although it is a fairly common, it is seldom collected due to its small size and drab coloration. It is interesting to note that Auriscalpium vulgare is found on pine cones in Europes, whereas we have only seen it on Douglas fir, with two exceptions on sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana) cones in the Sierra Nevada foothills.